MORE children and young people will benefit from free activities and nutritious food this winter as the popular Holiday Food and Fun programme returns.

Funded by the Department for Education, the Holiday Food and Fun scheme will be running across East Sussex during the Christmas school holidays, offering a range of festive activities and nutritious food to children who receive benefits-related free school meals.

Free places are still available for eligible children, but spaces are limited and parents and carers are encouraged to book as soon as possible.

More than 50 organisations will be hosting sessions across the county offering a range of activities including arts and crafts, circus skills, sport and fitness, cooking, and animation workshops.

Councillor Bob Bowdler, lead member for children and families, said: “The DfE funded Holiday Food and Fun schemes held at Easter and in the summer were hugely successful, and I am delighted we are able to run more clubs during the upcoming Christmas holidays.

“For some parents, the school holidays can be difficult. Increased costs at this time of year including food, gifts and childcare, coupled with reduced incomes and the added pressures of the festive season can make the Christmas break particularly challenging.

“The Holiday Food and Fun programme will serve up a menu of festive fun, healthy activities and nutritious meals to support eligible children during the Christmas school holidays.”

The winter Holiday Food and Fun sessions follow the success of the summer programme, when more than 3,600 children and young people enjoyed a range of activities along with nutritious food and snacks at more than 100 locations county wide.

People can book places or find out more about the winter scheme including eligibility, the locations and full details of all the holiday clubs, at eastsussex.gov.uk/holidayactivities